By Curtis Galbraith

City and County

Lot of work from both sides on new ICF: Mayor Clayton

Feb 8, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Councillor Dylan Bressey said it was a relief to make the motion to have city council approve a new Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework with the County of Grande Prairie.

The city and county announced they had reached an agreement Monday after several years of talks. The province brought in legislation in 2017 that required municipalities to have these agreements on shared services.

Mayor Jackie Clayton says both sides put in a lot of work on this.

“The agreement identifies areas of collaboration and cooperation and efficiently facilitates cost-sharing for shared services of all residents, city and county, and all ratepayers.”

“I think that, albeit we’re at a great, historic moment, a lot of time has gone into this process.”

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There had been talk at one time of the two sides going to arbitration.

Clayton says that was prevented through communication.

“I think that at one point we thought that it was potentially going down that path. Through additional collaboration and communication, we were able to get to an agreement without arbitration.”

Clayton adds there is more work to do. An Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee has been organized.

“The Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee will be comprised of council members that will, in turn, focus on data collection.”

“Although this document is in place until February 7, 2027, the municipalities will meet every second year to review the agreement and, as well, we are going to start data collecting for cost-sharing.”

Both councils approved the new, five-year deal at their respective meetings Monday. It includes agreements on shared learning and training opportunities and a Fire Mutual Aid Agreement.

The County will also contribute $1.5 million per year over four years, retroactive to last April, to support city services.

The County has also committed to supporting the Grande Prairie Public Library and the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie.